Operating means for liquid-height indicators



March 20, 1928. 1,663,532

T. M: EYNON OPERATING MEANS FOR LIQUID HEIGHT INDICATORS Filed March 19, 1921 3 Sheets-Sheet "02"? 5o 30 [rave/afar March 20, 1928. 1,663,532

T. M. EYNON OPERATING MEANS FOR LIQUID HEIGHT INDICATORS Filed March 1 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 52 5 IIZ March 20,1928. 1,663,532

T. M. EYNON OEERATING MEANS FOR LIQUID HEIGHT INDICATORS FiledMarch 19, 1921 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Mar. 20, 1928.

UNITED STATES 1,663,532 an .orrrcs.

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V Application filed March 19,

diaphragm by arms and a connecting rod and intermediate connections.

A further purpose is to cause the liquid for the indicator to flow by means of a diaphragm or diaphragms and'to guide the float by the diaphragm-actuating mechanism.

A further purpose'is to use averticallymovable ring-like float; and to guide it interiorly.

Ayfurther purpose is to vary the indication through a ring-like float and arms wedge-operated by movement of the float.

Further purposes will appear in. the specification and in the claims.

I have preferred to illustrate my invention by slight variations only representing several only among the various forms by which it might be carried out, selecting a form which is practical, eflicient and reliable and which at the same time well illustrates the principles of my invention. In this preferred form Figure 1-.is anoutline plan view of an automobile, showing my invention applied thereto.

7 Figure 2 is a broken vertical sect-ion upon an enlarged scale taken upon line 22 of Figure 1. p

Figures .3 and 4 are sections upon lines 33 and 4-4 of Figure 2.

Figures 5and 6 are sections corresponding generally to Figures 2 and 4 respectively but showing a slightly modified form and with the float in different positions in the two figures.

Figure 7 1s a sectlon upon line 7-7 of Figure 6.

Similar numerals indicate'like parts in the drawing.

In the indication of gasoline height 1n the tankat or near the dash-board, I may use 1921. Serial No. 453,839.

anysuitable type otsight or. pressure .fluid indicator intended to be shown typically .by

the'sight tube .10, which is connected by a p1pe 11 with a space beneath orback ofn diaphragm .within or connected with tank 12. Whether one diaphragm or two be used and the exact relation of the diaphragmto the operating mechanism, whether toggle operated or operated by lazy-tongs or. by other equivalent mechanical arms and connections is not material to the broader aspectsof this invention. i

Because I desire tohave the float register extreme conditions of fluid height, both low and high, and because I desire to mount the operating mechanism upon an inserted top .or bottom sectiqnwhichtakes the placeofa portion of the top or bottom of the tankwall I cut openings in the tank as at 13 and 14 and apply to these openings closures .15 and 16, .in Figure 6, 15'', 16) which may afford a raised: cover and a. recessed, bottom, respect1vely,within which cover and :bottom: room is provided for the float to enter at the exare fastened to the tank by any, suitable flanges 17, 18, either permanently, asshown for the cover, or temporarily, as shown with the .bottom, where bolts 19 pass through the flangeand screw int0 but preferably not through,lugs 20 upon rings 21. Though obviously this is not material I'have preferred to locate the operatingmechanismat the top.

tremes of its travel. The cover and bottom i i V In order that the float, may require asilittle extension beyondthe tank as possible,

and also that it may cooperate to the best advantage with therest of the structure, I use a float havingrelatively, small vertical extension here shown at 22 as of ring-like .foiin- .The float is provided with any nuinber-of inwardly extending ears 23"and 24:

havingfeng'aging members shown as rollers 25, which ride in slots-26 and27of a corresponding number of laterally swinging arms 28and'29.v Two are suflicient.

The arms are pivoted at 30 in cars 31 rigidly connected with a ring 32. This ring 32 forms the upper retaining member c0-' operating'with a lower annular seat member -33'to hold the diaphragm 34,an'd-the metal below the diaphragm isspaced from it to provide a space 35 for fluid, which space is .in communication with pipe 11; with the purpose and eiiect that the movement of or pressure upon the diaphragm directly aflects the height or pressure of the fluid in the indicator 10. V j

The ring 32 carries a support 36, here 1n the form of a column. or tube connecting with one edge of the ring and not intended to retain the gasoline. It is slotted at 37 and 38 to allow passage of links 39 which are pivoted at 40 to the upper ends of the arms '28 and 29.

At itsupper end the standard or support carries aring 41 which forms the seat and support for a second diaphragm 42. This diaphragm is covered by a cap 43 whichallows a space 44 between it and the diaphragm and which carries a ring 45 cooperating with. ring 41 to retain the diaphragm. The space 44 may be closed or connected with the atmosphere, or, by reversal of connections or type of indicator, may be utilized instead ofthe space 35 for connection with the indicating mechanism.

The two diaphragms carry lugs 46, which are connected by a rod 47 and its attached plates 52 causing the diaphragms to move together. The links 39 are connected at their inner ends to the links or bars 48, 49 duplicated on opposite sides to form a lazy tongs construction having but a single span. The arms 48 are pivotally connected and supported at their upper ends. It is more convenient not to support them in the lugs 46 as at 50 but to support them below this point at 50 between the plates 52 which are themselves pivoted to the lugs at 50 and which at their lower ends are connected at 52 on opposite sides of a lower rod member to make of the plates and lower rod member the composite rod 47. At their lower ends the arms 49 are pivoted to a pin 51 which passes through slots in the plates 52. This permits lifting and lowering of the rod within its range of movement without interference with the pin 51 and arms 48, .49.

In operation the float rises and falls with the raising and lowering of the liquid level in the tank, meantime spreading apart or drawing together the arms 28 and 29. The spreading apart of the arms lowers the rod 47 and lowers the diaphragms 34 and 42. As one of these encroaches upon the cubical contents available for gas in the tank to the same extent that the'other increases the cubical contents available, there will be no alteratlon in the capacity of the tank and my mventionwill be free from error because of such variation. A single diaphragm could be used where it is not desired to take advantage of this refinement. i

The lowering of the diaphragm 34 increases the height or pressure of the liquid within the indicator giving a corresponding showing upon the gauge, whose readings may be calibrated, if desired or which may be used merely to give a visual approximate showing of the condition of the gasoline in the tank. 5

In the form shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7, two diaphragms 34 and .42 are also used, united by'connection 47 In this case, however, the diaphragms are difl'erently supported, being held by separate standards 36', 36 which form heads 43, 43 within which are formed spaces 44, 85', one of which is connected with the fluid gauge. For convenience and 'adjustability, I provide plugs 52in the sides. Removal of these plugs permits change 'or" liquid inthe system. Ad-

justment of these plugs can be used to adjust the setting of the gauge and the plugs can be so. finished as to require a special implement for this adjustment. As this mechanism is located in the interior of the tank, the adjustment would be a rough adjustment only. Very slight changes as compared with corresponding parts in Figs. 14 are shown in the arms 23, 24, cars 31, ring 32 and links 39.

Here as in the other form, the lazy tongs is effective'as a pair of oppositely-moving toggles.

The standards 36, 36 are mounted with in the bottom of 16 and the diaphragms are held in position by rings 32 and 41. The bracket- 54 supports. the pivot point of one arm 55 to which a second arm 56 is pivoted at 57 to form a toggle. The pivot connects also with the operating rod 58. The other end of arm56 is pivoted at 56 to the ear upon the diaphragm.

The upper lazy-tongs pivot 51 is supported by side rods 59 and 60 which are connected with the rings 41 and 32 respectively, by means of sockets upon the rings into which sockets the rods fit.

The same float is shown with the same slotted arms and link connection to a lazytongs as in the other form except that lifting of the float here lifts the rod 58, and lowering of the float results in lowering the red, but with the same efl ect of increasing or re ducing the indication. Upward movement of the float and rod lifts the toggle pin with movement of both diaphragms to the right. lVith this connection it is therefore desirable to use the fluid in the space 35 rather than fluid in the space 44 to operate the gauge.

With movement of the diaphragm 42 to the right the height or pressure of fluid in the gauge would increase, corresponding to the increase of the height of the float.

I appreciate that my disclosure herein will suggest various forms of my. invention to those skilled in the art, the forms diflering according to the purpose in mind by the designeras well as his preference, prelimi nary training. or even his whim, and it is my lntention to include herein all such varia- IOU access 8 including a toggle whereby lifting of "the. float causes movement of thediaphragm to contract the space and lowering of the float causes movement of the diaphragm to expand the space. a e

2. In an indicating device for gasoline tanks, a tank, a fluid operated indicator, a diaphragm within the tank, a casing at one :side of the diaphragmclosing aispace adja cent thereto shut ofl' from the remainder of the tank, means for connecting the space with the indicator, a second diaphragm, a cover enclosing a space adjacent the second diaphragm, connections between the diaphragms whereby they are balancedwith respect to pressure and vacuum conditions within the tank, a float and connections be tween the float andone diaphragm whereby lifting of the float causesmovement otthe diaphragm to contract one of the spaces and lowering of the float causes movement of the dlaphragin to expand said space.

In an indicating device for gasoline tanks, a tank, a pair of balanced diaphragms and casings enclosing spaces adjacent the diaphragms to cutthem oil from communication with the remainder of the tank, floatoperated connections for moving the diaphragms to contract one of the spaces with upward movement of the float, a fluid operated indicator and fluid connections bea tween the indicator and the space so contracted.

4. In an indicating device for gasoline tanks, an apertured tank, a' closure for the aperture, adiaphragm cooperating with the closure to provide a space on one side of the diaphragm tree from the communication with the remainder of the tank, a fluid-operated indicator, means for connecting the indicator with said space, a vertical movable float, movable arms operated thereby and a connection including a toggle between the arms and the diaphragm.

5. In an indicating device for gasoline tanks, a tank, asupport mounted in the tank, two diaphragms mounted in opposedrelation on the support, walls enclosing each diaphragm at one side to form a space tree from communication with the remainder of the tank, a fluid operated indicator, means for SPHBES, d-

connecting the indicator with one of the connection between the diaphragms,1a float surrounding the support andia lever connection between the float and one of the diaphraglns whereby vertical movement of the float'causes contraction of the space with which the indicator communicates. i i

6. In an indicating device for gasoline tanks, a tank, a ring float therein, a dia* phragm mounted below and surrounded by the ring float, walls enclosing the diaphragm on one side to form a space free from communication with the remainder of the tank, 1 a fluid-operated indicator, means for connecting the indicator with the said space and connections between the float and diaphragm and transforming vertical movementof the float into movement of the diaphragm. 7. In an indicat ng device for gasohne tanks,a tank, a ring float within the tank,

a pair of diaphragms coaxial with the ring, walls enclosing each diaphragm on one side to form fluid spaces free from communica tion with the remainderof the tank, a fluid indicator and connections therefrom and communicating with one ot the spaces, and connections between the float and diaphragms including a toggle for contracting said last named space and expanding the other space with upward movement of the float. H V

8. In an indicating device for gasoline tanks, a tank, a ring float within the tank, a

pair of diaphragms coaxial with the ring,

walls enclosing each diaphragm on one side to form fluid spaces free from communication withthe remainder of the tank, a fluid indicator and connections therefrom and communicating with one of the spaces, a connection between the diaphragms to cause them to move in unison, and connections be tween the float and diaphragms including a toggle for contracting the space connected with the indicator with upward movement of the float.

trolled by the vertical movement of the float and swinging movementot the said arms to operate the diaphragm with the movement of the float, and arms and indicator-actuating means controlled bythe movement of the diaphragm.

10. In an indicating device for gasoline tanks, a tank, a float therein, a pair of arms pivoted at one end each and connected to the float to be moved thereby toward and from each other with vertical movement of ill,

the float, a fluid indicator, a diaphragm, means cooperating by said diaphragm to em close a space, means "for connecting said space with the said indicator and connections, including a toggle between the arms and the diaphragm to move the diaphragm with swinging movement of the arms.

11. In an indicating device for gasoline tanks, a tank, a ring like float therein, a pair of arms pivoted at their lower ends and extending upwardly inside of the float, connections between said float and arms, whereby vertical movement of the float causes the arms to swing toward or away from each other, a four-link toggle connection between the arms having one pivot fixed, a diaphragm, means cooperating therewith to enclose a space and connection between the diaphragm and the pivot of the toggle opposite its fixed pivot whereby the lifting and lowering of the float operates the diaphragm. 12. In an indicating device for gasoline tanks, a tank, a ring-like float therein, a pair of arms pivoted at their lower ends and extending upwardly inside of the float, connections between saidfloat and arms, whereby vertical movement of the float causes the arms to swing toward or away from each other, a four-link toggle between the arms having fixed support at one pivot point, a pair of connected diaphragms, connected with the pivot of the toggle opposite said fixed pivot point and walls adjacent the diaphragms and providing therewith enclosed spaces on one side of each diaphragm.

13. In an indicating device for gasoline tanks, a tank, a ring-like float therein, a pair of arms each pivoted at one end and extend ing inside of the float, connections between said float and arms, whereby vertical movement of the float causes the arms toswing toward or away from each other, a four-link toggle between the arms having fixed support at one pivot point, upper and lower diaphragms, means cooperating therewith to provide enclosed spaces adjacent the diaphragms, connections between the diaphragms to cause them to move in unison and means for causing the connections to move with movement of the pivot point of the toggle opposite the fixed support.

14. In an indicating device for gasoline tanks, a tank, a ring-like float therein, a pair of arms each pivoted at one end and extending inside of the float, connections between said float and arms whereby vertical movement of thefloat causes the arms to swing toward or away from each other, a pair of opposed diaphragms, means with each diaphragm to enclose therewith a space, connections between the diaphragms and arms to operate the diaphragms with movement of the float.

15. In an indicating device for gasoline tanks, a tank, a ring-like float therein, a pair of arms pivoted at their lower ends andextending upwardly inside of the float, connections between said float and arms whereby vertical movement of the float causes the arms to swing toward or away from each other, a four-link toggle between the arms having a fixed support at one pivotpoint, a pair of diaphragms on opposite sides of the toggle and a connection between the diaphragms connected to the pivot point of the toggle opposite that one which is fixed. 16. In an indicating device for gasoline tanks, a tank, a ring-like float therein, a pair of slotted arms surrounded by the float and pivoted at their lower ends, means upon the float engaging with the slots of the arms to swing the arms toward or from each other with vertical movement of the float, links connected with the upper ends of the arms, a four-link toggle having one pivot fixed in position and the two adjacent pivots connected with the links, a diaphragm,

'means providing an enclosed fluid space adjacent the diaphragm and connections between the diaphragm and the fourth pivot of the toggle.

17. In an indicating device for gasoline tanks, a tank, a pair of opposed diaphragm supports therein, providing each a space adapted to be closed by a diaphragm, diaphragms for closing the said spaces, a connection between the diaphragms, a bracket providing a fixed support, a four-link toggle mounted upon a support and having connections from two of its pivots to operate the diaphragms and a float and connections affording operating means for operating the toggle.

18. In a fluid indicator for showing the height'of gasoline in an automobile tank, a tank, a float, a pair of arms pivoted upon fixed pivots, operating means movable generally in the direction of the lengths of the arms cooperating with the float to swing the arms with vertical movement of the float, a diaphragm, a longitudinally movable rod connected to operate the diaphragm, and

a four link toggle system fixed at one pivot,

connected to the arms at pivots adjacent the fixed pivot and having the other pivot connected with the rod to move the rod with lateral movement of the arm-connected pivots.

THOMAS M. EYNON. 

